
12.
After these days, what befell Hezekiah? Unto whom did he turn
in this trouble? For what did he pray? 2 Kings 20:1-3.
NOTE.—"In the midst of his prosperous reign, King Hezekiah was
suddenly stricken with a fatal malady. 'Sick unto death,' his case was
beyond the power of man to help. . . . The outlook seemed utterly dark;
yet the king could still pray to the One who had hitherto been his 'refuge
and strength, a very present help in trouble.' . . . He whose 'compas-
sions fail not,' heard the prayer of His servant."—Id., pp. 340, 341.
13.
What message did God send him? How long was he permitted
to live? What simple remedy was used of God to heal the king?
Verses 4-7.
14.
How did God definitely indicate that He would fulfill His prom-
ise? Verses 8-11.
NomE.—"Only by the direct interposition of God could the shadow
on the sundial be made to turn back ten degrees; and this was to be the
sign to Hezekiah that the Lord had heard his prayer."—Id., p. 342.
15.
Who sent friendly messengers to Hezekiah following his illness?
What did Hezekiah show them? Verses 12, 13.
Nova.—"In the fertile valleys of the Tigris and the Euphrates there
dwelt an ancient race which, though at that time subject to Assyria,
was destined to rule the world. Among its people were wise men who
gave much attention to the study of astronomy; and when they noticed
that the shadow on the sundial had been turned back ten degrees, they
marveled greatly. Their king, Merodach-baladan, upon learning that
this miracle had been wrought as a sign to the king of Judah that the
God of heaven had granted him a new lease of life, sent ambassadors to
Hezekiah to congratulate him on his recovery, and to learn, if possible,
more of the God who was able to perform so great a wonder. The visit
of these messengers from the ruler of a far-away land gave Hezekiah
an opportunity to extol the living God."—Id., p. 344.
16.
When asked by Isaiah what he had shown the messengers, what
was Hezekiah's reply? Verses 14, 15.
17.
In consequence of Hezekiah's failure to bear witness to the good-
ness of God, what would come to pass? What was Hezekiah's response?
Verses 16-19.
NomE.—"Pride and vanity took possession of Hezekiah's heart, and
in self-exaltation he laid open to covetous eyes the treasures with which
God had enriched His people. . . . Had Hezekiah improved the oppor-
tunity given him to bear witness to the power, the goodness, the com-
passion, of the God of Israel, the report of the ambassadors would have
been as light piercing darkness. But he magnified himself above the
Lord of hosts. He 'rendered not again according to the benefit done
unto him; for his heart was lifted up.' . . . The story of Hezekiah's
failure to prove true to his trust at the time of the visit of the ambassa-
dors, is fraught with an important lesson for all. Far more than we do,
we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience, of the mercy
and loving-kindness of God, of the matchless depths of the Saviour's
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